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Hull FC star Jake Connor's England debut

Taylor admitted the conditions made the tie tough in terms of performance levels, with the forward and his team-mates struggling throughout. However the Black and Whites vice-captain was still pleased with how his side turned up for each other in the historic clash.

“There were a few breakaway tries from them and we were down on the board but we dug deep. The boys knew that if we stuck to what we’d trained during the week we could do it. We knew they’d crack and we kept going right until the end to pull away,” Taylor continued.

THE PLAYERS WALKING OUT: England are facing New Zealand at Denver's Mile High Stadium. (Image: SWpix)

“With me coming on after 20 minutes I knew there were some tired bodies, I was fresh and had to try and make an impact. I threw myself about and tried to give the lads what they needed, it was tough going.

“It was tough conditions, it wasn’t just the sun, the humidity, the altitude. A minute into your stint you were gasping for air.

“It was probably the most mentally tough battle I’ve played in. To keep digging in was all about having heart and a strong, mental mind-set to put in a performance like that.”